Feature flag

Feature Flag

A feature flag is a tool that lets developers turn a feature on or off without changing the actual code. It allows teams to test new features with a small group of users before making them available to everyone. This makes it easier to fix issues, roll out updates gradually, and even remove features if they don’t work as expected.

Why it’s important for your business

Feature flags help businesses launch new updates safely without risking the entire system. They allow teams to test features in real-world conditions, reducing the chance of major bugs or failures. This means a smoother experience for users and fewer disruptions to the product.

Examples

1. E-commerce: An online store introduces a new checkout design but only enables it for 10% of users. If everything works well, they roll it out to everyone using a feature flag.
2. Finance: A banking app tests a new budgeting tool with premium users first. Based on feedback, they tweak the feature before releasing it to all customers.
3. Media & Entertainment: A streaming service adds a "Watch Party" feature but keeps it hidden for most users while testing it with a small group. If successful, they use the feature flag to enable it for everyone.

Feature flags let businesses experiment safely, fix problems quickly, and release updates without breaking the user experience.

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